Common Ground - Community Gardens Inc

The gardens came about by the efforts of a group meeting for 15 months prior to obtaining the use of the land at the Home of Compassion. During that time the group nutted out goals and put together a constitution with the following vision statement:

Our vision is to have sustainability alive and active in Wellington. We aim to provide a space where Wellingtonians can learn about sustainable living, and how to practice examples of urban sustainability in their homes and neighbourhoods. The space would ideally comprise of a garden for growing organic food, and an education centre providing low cost workshops. It would be inclusive, accessible, relevant and welcoming, providing opportunities for people to work together and strengthen community relationships. Our principles include an organic/permaculture ethos, zero waste, energy efficiency, community building and healthy lifestyle choices. Our wider vision is to work towards a 100% sustainable New Zealand.

Tree planting

The Sisters of Compassion provided access to the garden site in 2005 after Sister Loyola met some members of the group at a permaculture course. The first public meeting was held in May 2005 and was attended by approximately 40 people.

In the year since then trees, harekeke and garden beds have been planted, providing a bountiful harvest this past summer. Working bees are held every Sunday where members bring found items for building, lay out beds, build, gather compost materials, plant, weed etc. A composting workshop was held last year which was attended by the public and media.

The gardens comprise one large and two smaller communal plots, including one wheelchair access plot and 20 individual plots. Most of the produce has been used by members, with some being sold at the Island Bay Festival and some being given to the Home of Compassion Soup Kitchen. Administration is by way of fortnightly meetings which all members may attend. Decisions are made by consensus and minutes are circulated by email.

Communal Bed

Coming up for the gardens this year will be the construction and stocking of a toolshed using recycled materials as much as possible and using the roof to collect water; a glasshouse; creation of cereal and asparagus beds; and workshops in construction, composting and planting. There is also a partnership under way with the Sustainability Trust based in Porirua. The scheme is aimed at reducing green materials in landfills and will involve collection of green waste from households and composting them onsite. We are awaiting funding notification for this scheme to go ahead.

Membership is by way of a $10 annual subscription and a six monthly individual plot is a further $10. Members are asked to sign the constitution and rules of Common Ground and are expected to contribute to the communal work of the gardens.

Interested parties can email the secretary, donna.byrne@paradise.net.nz or telephone Matt (Membership) on 938 0385.